“I fancy his chances at Shinnecock and Carnoustie, two stout tests that demand a strong all-around game,“ is Alan Shipnuck’s response to the question, “Does Rickie win a major in the near future? If so, when?”

How good is Rickie?Alan writes, “I've been saying for a while that Fowler is the best player in the world in a casual game. He holds a bunch of course records, in South Florida and beyond, and is a legend in the Tour's Tuesday practice rounds. There's nothing he can't do to a golf ball. Obviously he's been getting in his own way at the majors, and even when trying to win lesser Tour events. I think this weekend at the Masters was massive for him: 65-67 while going toe-to-toe with the best players of his generation, and unlike Spieth, Rickie gutted a do-or-die putt on the 72nd hole. I fancy his chances at Shinnecock and Carnoustie, two stout tests that demand a strong all-around game.”

And then there’s RoryAlas I missed the opening tee shot of Rory as he tested himself against the ANGC and old enemy Patrick Reed at the start of the final round of the recent Masters.

Alan was there and writes, "He looked so lost and helpless out there. From 150 yards and in Reed is much more proficient, so McIlroy's only hope to run him down on Sunday was to overpower the golf course and get in his opponent's head. Instead, on the first hole, he hit literally the worst drive I've seen in McIlroy's career. It was a telling moment. But the ensuing par save was stout, and two jaw-dropping shots on the second hole put him in position to erase Reed's lead and send roars cascading through the pines. Instead, Rory yipped the little itty-bitty eagle putt and just like that he was toast. Following the third round I wrote about his travails at Augusta National, so peruse that story if you want the gory details about his past meltdowns and the haunting reflection of fellow greats Norman, Miller and Els, all of whom should've won a green jacket but never did. After this brutal debacle, it's impossible not to fear that McIlroy is headed for the same fate.

Quote of the Day“So I would say that Ridley is our last, best shot to return the width and angles of the old Augusta National by chopping down trees and losing the rough. Here's hoping, anyway. “ - Alan Shipnuck in response to the question, “Will Fred Ridley be the chairman to make bold changes to the course and return it closer to the original intent in design and strategy?”